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The first orally administered factor XA inhibitor has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Rivaroxaban was developed by Bayer and is marketed in this country by Janssen Pharmaceuticals as Xarelto.
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Interpret the rhythm strip shown above. Does it represent 2nd degree AV block, Mobitz Type II? Can you be sure?
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A systematic review covering 48 years gives pregabalin (Lyrica) Level A evidence for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Gabapentin, sodium valproate, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, and duloxetine may be as effective but only receive a Level B recommendation based on the quality of the studies.
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It comes as no surprise that when patients do not take their blood pressure (BP) medication, a lapse in BP control is anticipated. On the other hand, when a patient presents with an elevated BP and acknowledges omitted doses, it is difficult to be sure whether the observed elevation in BP is solely due to recent omissions, an underlying worsening of BP (requiring an augmentation rather than just simple restoration of treatment), rebound BP elevation, or some combination of these elements.
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The medical literature is rife with information on the trends of various infectious diseases. Much of this begins with the diagnosis made and helps us connect the diagnosis to a preferred regimen of antimicrobials or antivirals. The real detective work starts before this. Our tools are constant vigilance for subtle clues in the history and physical examination, some nonspecific laboratory tests (for example white blood cell [WBC] count or lactate), and a high level of suspicion for infection.
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Clinical depression is highly prevalent in the general population and in primary care settings. Although clinicians presently have a broad array of pharmacological agents for the treatment of depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, overall response rates and remission rates with these pharmacological agents remain relatively modest.
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Would you like to start a fight? Just ask a colleague how he or she selected the level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for a patient.
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In this issue: ACEI/ARB therapy for AS; safety alert issued for dronedarone; statins and cancer risk; nesiritide and heart failure; and FDA actions.
